Dec 1, 2014 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for advice, feedback, and friendly blogging chatter.

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Did you recently start your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

Tap into the wisdom of The Daily Post blogging community and leave your question here in the comments. Others can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

TIP: To keep from losing your place in the comment thread while you visit others’ blogs, right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.

  • While you’re not required to, we encourage everyone who requests feedback to also reply to at least one or two other bloggers who need some help. Spread the love!
  • The Community Pool comments section can get quite big — and starting duplicate threads doesn’t help. Thanks for not posting the same question more than once!
  • If you’re looking for quality feedback, be as specific as you can. Questions about a particular post tend to draw more comments than ones about entire blogs. Questions about specific design elements are more likely to be answered than ones asking for general layout advice.
  • We discourage leaving links without a more substantive message or question. These are often overlooked by other bloggers, and we frequently remove them to make the comment reading experience smoother.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
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Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    1. Hey 🙂 just checked out your blog and read the post on P.A.I.N. and it was really relatable for someone like me at the very least. Although I currently don’t have the time to read up on the other posts, the design is quite nice and simple.

      I LOVE the snow falling down your page, it’s quite wonderful. And the layout of easy to navigate! Definitely worth the follow. Hope i’ll be reading more of your posts in the future.

      Mind if you give my blog a look as well?
      hkgirlinlondon.wordpress.com

      Thanks!

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Very impressive! You piece was raw and full of truth – maybe I see it because my history holds abuse and the hypervigilant need to hide the core of who I am sacred only to me for protection. You have a gift. Your site is simple and clean which also lays a great foundation for your words to be unencumbered with clutter. Clean and concise. Well Done!

      Liked by 4 people

    3. I really loved your post. Pain is a very familiar topic to everyone and it all the example whether they were physical mental or emotional were right on point. I truly enjoyed reading it and I think you have a very good knack for blogging! Keep up the great posts !

      Liked by 4 people

    4. I loved your posts so much, I didn’t have a second thought before I pressed the follow button! I loved your post on pain. Anyone can relate to it. Keep up the good work!

      Liked by 4 people

    7. Hey!
      I just read your blog P.A.I.N and I love the way you write simply whilst being so insightful, getting to the point. I think you definitely put forward ideas that people don’t necessarily think of themselves – the post itself could probably help someone through a tough time tbh! As it’s been said before, it’s raw truth. I can’t find any faults, and I think the title of your blog is very apt. Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Hey guys! As always, would love feedback on my blog. To those who comment, I’ll in turn visit your blog. Thanks in advance! To those who celebrate, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 5 people

      1. Hey!

        As a fellow christian, it’s wonderful to find another christian blogger in the community, and I love how the content varies from news as well as personal thoughts and sharing.

        Personally, although the colours aren’t my favourite (though I’m very picky when it comes to colours), I love the layout. It’s simple and easy to navigate!

        Mind giving my blog some feedback?

        http://hkgirlinlondon.wordpress.com

        Thanks!

        Liked by 6 people

      2. Thank you for the positive feedback! 🙂

        I like your blog’s layout. I don’t remember seeing that kind of theme before, so it’s unique to me. I appreciate your post “Drinks. Drinks. Drunk.” I have a friend who’s dealing with drinking, and I’m praying she will see just how harmful it is. It hurts to hear about her struggles due to her drinking.

        Oh, and great name. Of course, I may be biased…. 😛

        Liked by 1 person

      4. rachellee1013: This is great! It’s nice to see more Christians on this network. Also I see you’re at KCL – we may never see each other but so am I! I’d agree the balloons are a little obstructing, but other than that the layout is great! Would you mind taking a look at mine? II’ve just started this blog, trying to go for a semi-academic look given the topic.
        http://withallyourthoughts.wordpress.com/

        Like

      5. Hi there 🙂
        I actually followed you, I love your insight of Scripture, your studies, and you’re lack of ignorance on the evil in this world that is being inflicted on Christians all over. Many times we get caught up in our own little ‘happy place’ (me being in America, that is abundant) and we ignore what is going on in the outside, and more often than not, what is right around us. Though we cannot get too caught up in all the chaos, as it IS all in His hands. We play our part in the much bigger picture that we as humans can’t even comprehend!
        Anyway, please check out my first blog post, I would love some feedback. I know I will grow in my writing, it’s not meant to be very poetic, nor does it have all one theme- it’s just my relationship with Yah and the stuff I love to do.
        I am young and this is my first shot at blogging, which I have been interested in for quite awhile. Hopefully I can spend a little cash sooner or later to get premium to actually personalize my blog!

        Thank you!

        Liked by 2 people

      6. Hi! This is a very thoughtful and relevant post you made about Asia. I think it would be an enormous act of blasphemy if they don’t forgive and release her as God is all about infinitely love and mercy, even to the worst sinner.
        You have a wonderful and sensible site. It’s really nice to know the presence of a fellow Christian. 🙂 Oh, and if you ever decide to give my blog a tour, I hope you enjoy! here it is: https://gancaycoclaudia.wordpress.com/

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Thank you for the positive feedback. 🙂 I encourage you to keep coming back.

        I like your blog. I think the theme works with what you’re blogging about, and your blog isn’t too cluttered. I especially like your sentence in “Where to Place Your Gaze”: “Scrutinizing other people just goes to show that you find more of them worth gazing at than you find in yourself worth contemplating.” Good point!

        I would suggest adding widgets, like a widget that allows people who aren’t on WordPress to follow your blog via email, and/or a search box widget. If you don’t know how to add widgets, let me know and I’ll tell you. There’s a list of widgets that’s fun to look through and decide which ones you want. But too many and I personally think they’ll clutter a blog. 🙂

        Like

      9. Go to your Dashboard, click on Appearance, and then on widgets. On the left hand side, you’ll see the various widgets, under Available Widgets. You can drag the widgets you want to the right side, under Sidebar. 🙂 You can customize most of the widgets. For example, if you were to add the Follow Blog widget, it should give you the option to say whatever you want, such as “Follow Me!” or whatever. 🙂
        Let me know if you have any questions.

        Like

      11. I really like the fact that you are sharing real life stories about Christians around the world, as well as your own thoughts! I’m following now! It would be awesome if you could take a look at my blog as well, I’ve just started it. Any feedback would be great! I’m trying to go for a semi-academic/professional look as I plan to use the blog in that capacity later on!
        http://withallyourthoughts.wordpress.com/

        Like

      12. I enjoyed your blog, as I am now following it. I think it looks rather professional, with the dark red and black theme. I would suggest you add some widgets to your blog, such as a Follow widget that allows readers to follow your blog via email if they’re not on WordPress. And also perhaps a Search Box widget. There are many widgets to choose from. If you don’t know how to add widgets, let me know and I’ll be happy to tell you how. 🙂

        Like

      1. Hi Hope,

        Thank you for the positive and encouraging feedback. I encourage you to keep coming back! 🙂

        I enjoyed your blog. I think it’s got just the right blend of widgets, theme, and content! No wonder you have so many followers. 🙂 Keep blogging and spreading hope that results in transformation, and God bless!

        Like

      2. I personally have never been one to swear in my posts, as I don’t understand swearing, and also because of:
        “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
        But like I said I like your theme. I would suggest creating an About page. I avoided one for a while, thinking it was unnecessary, (and mine still needs work), but it’s a way of helping your readers connect to, and understand, you. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey,

      I haven’t yet stumbled across a sketch in blogs since I’m still quite new to the community, however, I did really enjoy reading it. It was a good relaxing read in between work.

      Hope this was helpful!

      Like

    2. your entries are always funny (err, maybe not all, just the ones I’ve come across). But if you’re ever turning your mind to Hyde Park vagrancy, be advised that London wildlife is far more ample than squirrels. You could catch swans or ducks and have a far nicer meal.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey there, thanks so much for tuning in and for your lovely critique! Helpful tips on vagrancy, am definitely planning to settle in Hyde Park then and eat swans and ducks. Sorry, black humour. But you started it 😉

        Like

    4. I really enjoyed this! As an American mom of four, I’d consider us quite different, but I still found the post very funny and well written. Definitiely worth a follow!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much for your feedback! Yes, you’re right, I’ve seen your lovely blog and we couldn’t be possible more different, yet it’s great that we are able to enjoy each other’s style 😉 Happy blogging!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for your critique, it’s very encouraging! I’m based in Eastern Europe, but what I do is English Literature, hence it’s actually great if there is some UK-atmosphere about it 😉 Thanks again and happy blogging!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Happy Monday Bloggers! I would love it if you check out my blog. I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback and followers but I’m always wanting to improve my blog. Any thoughts? In return, I’ll look at your blog as well.

    whatiliketodobysteve.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Your blog has a great layout, and you’ve done an awesome job with your pages and categories. Your posts look fun and have a good mix of photos and videos. You may want to link your gravatar to your blog so people can click on it to get to your sight. Best of luck! Karen 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! Actually, it was pretty confusing getting my categories and pages to work but a friend of mine helped me through that. You have a very interesting blog as well. I really like your theme – that was actually my second choice as the theme but I picked mine. I like your writing style as well.

        Keep on blogging!

        Steve

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I like the layout, and even the blurry header. I think its very artsy and laid back. It’s not overly, “here’s xmas in your FACE.”

      I plan to come back and read a few of your articles, they have spiked my interest

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi,

        Scanning through your recent posts, it looks like you’ve got some really interesting and important information to share! Though I think there’s stuff you could do to make all that content more visually accessible to people (like me!) who have a hard time focusing when we read large blocks of text online.

        Some ideas: Bold or italic key points. Use bullet lists or indent some things. Add color. When you have multiple pictures (as in “Santa Baby”), spread them throughout the post, rather than all at the beginning. Just using a layout with a larger font might make reading easier.

        I am definitely someone interested in the kinds of content you seem to be writing about. Thanks for giving me the chance to share some ideas!

        best, alice

        Liked by 1 person

    4. I have visited your blog on several occasions, and I am still struck by how open you are about telling your story. Your words are raw and relevant, and I am confident in saying that you are helping others. I think the layout and theme for your blog are just right for the subject matter. Best, Karen

      Like

      1. Just checked out your blog and I can’t wait to read more. You have a nice, light conversational style that I like, and as a New England transplant I always enjoy seeing other’s take on it! I will be following your blog, keep up the good posts!

        Like

    2. I have been a follower of your blog from the start, and yours is one of my favorites. I recommend any who have not visited yet to do so. You have a fun, easy writing style, a great wit, and a unique perspective on life in America vs in the UK. Always a good read! Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I love your writing style. I can imagine having a conversation with your writing if that’s not weird haha. Loved the topic, it was simple and easy and brought a smile to my face. Snow never fails to do that to me. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Karen. Thank you for sharing your link with us. I enjoyed reading your post “These Are the Police Officers I know.” This topic is especially relevant considering the most recent headlines. I like the spin you use, especially the repetition of the phrases “here are the ones” or “here is the one.”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for taking the time to read! I would normally steer clear of the repetitiveness, but it appealed to me for this piece. I’ve been visiting your blog and have left a comment directly there as well. 🙂

        Like

    2. Truly beautiful.. I’ve been missing out on a lot of great pieces by not having a blog up until now!
      I’m looking forward to reading more from you.
      -S.

      Like

    3. Karen, I just read your post and followed your blog. That was lovely! Great job. I, too, am trying to stay positive, so I completely get what you’re doing.

      Like

  9. Hello fellow bloggers new and old. I just started a new blog and I would like to get some feedback on it. Be warned though, it’s pretty raw and there is strong language and harsh truths/opinions on it. It is pretty much life through my eyes. Let me know what you think, good or bad and keep in mind, it’s new so there are only a couple of posts on it right now.

    Here’s the link:
    https://anonymousfactsofmylife.wordpress.com/

    Thanks

    Liked by 3 people

    1. No holds barred on your posts, and that is not a bad thing! Your post about slow drivers in the fast lane is entirely relatable (and has me wondering if we live in the same state). I’m not in the least offended by the strong language so I’ll jump on for the ride. Good luck! Karen

      Like

    2. Hello,
      My god, your blog is so relatable! Especially the post about your phone, many times I feel the same and just want to chuck my phone into a furnace, or better, an active volcano.
      As for the fast lane issue, I don’t have a drivers license and so I enjoy the special ‘bus lane’ 🙂
      Anyhow, keep the posts coming, they’re very enjoyable to read!
      -S.

      Like

    1. Hi! I like your blog! I really think it’s organized and the design is well-done as well. I’ll follow you. Maybe you could check out my blog as well. whatiliketodobysteve.wordpress.com

      Like

      2. Thank you! I always try to make my blog personal and interactive. I like your blog as well. I really like your design and your writing style is nice. The one thing that you might want to consider is adding extra pages for different subjects like I did since you discuss many things. Like I have one page devoted to my food and another for my movie reviews. If you do plan on doing that, I can help. It’s a bit confusing.

        Steve

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Your blog brings one word to mind…Fun! Your About page made me smile, and your style is engaging and entertaining. Oh, and do I ever want to look at the pictures of Chewy forever?? Yes! Karen 🙂

      Like

    1. I checked out your blog and I think it’s great! I love the thought process and execution.

      The photography is good. I specifically like your animal pictures. I can appreciate what you are doing with color contrasts. I am new to the photography world (and blogging as well), but I think yours is coming along 🙂

      -MB

      http://myeverydayoasis.com

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I like the idea of the food photography. The only suggestion I would make is to once in awhile put a bit more text along with the image. Not all the time but sometimes it’d be nice. Like what kind of place is it? What feeling do you get when you have that food or go to that place, etc. It helps draw the viewer in and connect them to your image even more. Just my opinion though. What do I know! LOL. Keep going!

      Like

    3. Just had a look, very nice. I really like “Remembering Meaning” Some lovely pictures, but could do mwith some longer captions. Also, you should include a comment facility and a like button.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! there is a comment button on the side and a like button, but it might be hard to find so I might tweak the layout a bit

        Like

  13. Hey fellow blogger,

    I just started blogging about two months ago, and still have lots to improve about my blog. It would be great if you could give my blog a quick look, and maybe a read of some of my posts to pass on some comments and feedback!

    http://hkgirlinlondon.wordpress.com

    Let me know if you want me to give yours some feedback as well! Would love to help out.

    Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like this idea, and I like how you have listed out the title, number of recipes, etc. I might suggest that you elaborate a bit more (why were the Chicken Korma and the salmon dishes your favorite- describe the meal). Also perhaps some pictures of one of the meals as you are putting it together and the final outcome. Best, Karen

      Like

      1. Thanks! Great suggestions. I did wonder about writing more. I will have a go at editing the post with a bit more information. As for photos, I am only just getting the hang of occasionally remembering to take photos before I serve the food I cook – and now that I think if it, I forgot to take photos of my recipes cooked tonight!!

        Like

    4. Hi! I checked out blog and I found it adorable. I couldn’t help but agree with your post on why people should love Taylor Swift. She’s inspiring and because she writes songs on her life, she shouldn’t be judged. People have different inspirations and despite what people say, her songs still become famous. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope your will find that mean and hurtful are in short supply among your fellow WordPress bloggers. It looks like your blog was set up for a college course? Perhaps you might consider adding an About page to introduce yourself and let potential readers know the purpose or what you hope to accomplish through blogging. It would be nice if you added some pictures for a bit of “pop”, unless that does not fit in with your blogging intentions. Best of luck! Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m no expert in generating blog traffic, but I would suggest using categories such as Music, Rock, Reviews, etc. Also try some broader tags (rock, music, music review, concert, etc.). This community post is a good place to get feedback as well. Visit other bloggers and they may return the favor. Good luck!

      Like

    1. I left a comment directly on your blog post. You have done a great job on your blog’s layout. I have the same theme, and now looking at yours I see that I need to do some work on adding more widgets on the sidebar. Thanks for the inspiration!

      Like

    1. Hey! I really like your theme, nice and simple and clean. Just a little suggestion, it would be great if there was an “about” page. I always head there first for a little overview of the blog and the writer, I find that it’s a nice entry point for a blog. I hope this helps 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Philipp, I read your most recent post on video games and ‘Do artists still matter?’. I liked them both, they have a good combination of personal viewpoints and raising interesting discussions and questions.

      I have had a similar relationship with video games, it comes to a point where it is your life and you can either embrace it or do something ‘in the real world’. I use that phrase as I chose the ‘real world’ as well.

      The only feedback i’d like to give would be, if you’re posing questions in your writing, then opening up comments would get people interacting with your blog and would create good discussions. It might even help provide topics for future blog posts.

      Feel free to check out mine at

      https://heavymetalblunder.wordpress.com

      Any feedback would also be appreciated.

      Cheers
      Tom

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for taking the time for such extensive feedback! I’ve pondered direct comments on my blog for a long time, but ultimately decided against enabling them because of the moderation effort.

        I stopped by your blog too! I really like the design, very clear and easy to navigate. You also seem to have found a good length for your posts. Especially the one about file sharing was a very interesting read!

        Like

    2. Hiya! Nice post, and great blog! My video game addiction is Football Manager, I’ve sunk countless hours into it and definitely agree that a break is need once in a while. I also agree with Tom, being able to comment directly on your blog post would be a great way to open up to discussion 🙂

      Like

    1. Your blog is adorable and your theme suits how you write and the topic in general. I loved your pigeon post lol and I can relate. I live in a city with pigeons everywhere and not a lot of people are fond of them. I never hated or loved them. Poor pigeons getting hate for something they can’t help. 😦

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi I’m new. I’m not understanding the whole Gravatar thing… I dunno if it’s just me who can’t see it or others? Or do I have to actually pay for my account to be seen? Anyway feel free to check out my blog if you have any tips, I kinda just threw things on there yesterday all willy nilly.

    Like

    1. I’m in the same boat, Gravatars are a bit of a mystery to me too! I know that you can add a widget to link to your own profile on your blog (which is free), but in terms of people being able to access your Gravatar profile otherwise, it’s all a bit confusing!

      You have a really nice blog though, I like that you’re writing is so open and honest 🙂

      Like

    2. Yours is an emotional story, and you tell it with a powerful & honest voice.

      You do not have to pay for your account to be seen. You should be able to upload a photo (if you choose to do so) to use as your gravatar and link it to your blog.

      Like

    1. Hey! Your blog is coming along really nicely, keep up the great work. I always find that engaging with fellow bloggers, reading other blogs, commenting and participating in the community pool helps a lot with spreading the word of my blog. This along with promoting on Twitter, and Facebook (to a lesser degree, I seem to find) works a treat, as well as being a great way to meet lots of great writers!

      🙂

      Like

    2. Looks great so far! I agree with everything Luke said below. This community pool is also a great place to spread the word. You might try using broader tags such as Music, Music Reviews, Concerts, etc. as they will show up in searches.

      Liked by 1 person